What causes shortness of breath in late pregnancy?

We all know that a woman's belly will grow bigger day by day in the late pregnancy. However, the enlargement of the uterus can easily cause compression of the heart, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest tightness. However, this is particularly detrimental to normal life and physical health. Sometimes such symptoms make pregnant women feel very uncomfortable, which can also cause special irritation, which is also very detrimental to the growth and development of the fetus. Let's understand what causes shortness of breath in the late pregnancy?

What causes shortness of breath in late pregnancy?

Breathing difficulties are more common in pregnant women during late pregnancy. In the late pregnancy, the uterus continues to grow, pushing the diaphragm upward, causing the chest cavity to become smaller and increasing the pressure on the diaphragm, thereby affecting the activity of the heart and lungs; the fetus continues to grow and the body's oxygen demand increases, thus forcing the pregnant woman to speed up her breathing. At this time, the pregnant mother will use short and shallow breaths to increase the amount of oxygen breathed into the lungs, so she will feel difficulty breathing.

What to do if a pregnant woman has difficulty breathing

1. Supplement electrolytes and vitamin B6

In the early stages of pregnancy, expectant mothers are prone to severe morning sickness. At this time, they should properly supplement electrolyte fluids to avoid dehydration. Sometimes they can also consume vitamin B6 to slightly relieve these discomforts. Of course, you also need enough rest to allow your heart to adjust and reduce breathing difficulties.

2. Increase protein intake

Generally speaking, the most appropriate weight gain during the entire pregnancy is 12-15 kg. Gaining too much weight will only cause burden on the expectant mother's heart, compression on the spine and circulatory pressure. It is recommended that expectant mothers reduce their sugar intake and increase their protein intake, so that the weight gain will not result in puffiness or edema. In addition, you can also try to use red bean water to eliminate water vapor in the body, which is also a good method.

3. Reduce activity

Around 30 weeks of pregnancy, expectant mothers will experience psychogenic dyspnea. The only way to deal with it at this time is to reduce activity to allow the body to adapt. After a few weeks of wheezing, the condition gradually improved, but then she was about to face the pain of labor, which stimulated her heart and increased the burden on her heart, and the wheezing phenomenon reappeared.

4. Help oxygen absorption

To increase oxygen intake, pregnant mothers can go to places with better environments to take a walk and breathe fresh air; if necessary, go to the hospital to breathe oxygen.

The above is an introduction to what causes shortness of breath in late pregnancy. After understanding it, we know that there are many reasons for this phenomenon. One is caused by the uterus compressing the heart, and the other is caused by disease. Therefore, when such symptoms occur, we must find the cause and then make timely adjustments. If necessary, consult a doctor in time.